Hi, there. It’s Carrie. If you’ve tuned into my news segments over the years, you probably know me as the one with the polished bun and a penchant for sneaking funny references into my closing lines. At 46, I’ve learned to embrace most of the changes that come with age. But hair loss? That one hit differently.

My Hair Loss Issue

It started subtly. A few extra strands on my brush after styling, a thinner part line I’d brush over quickly. As someone who splits her time between the anchor desk and the art studio, I’m used to focusing on details. But this? I wrote it off as stress, or maybe just the natural ebb and flow of hair health. I’d laugh it off when friends mentioned it, saying, “Artists and anchors both pull their hair out, literally!“ But denial only lasts so long.​
It was my makeup artist, Lena, who’s been primping me for live broadcasts for a decade—who finally said it. We were prepping for a morning show last spring, and as she touched up my hairline, she paused. “Carrie, this isn’t just ‘a few strands,’” she said gently. “Your hair’s thinning more than usual, and with the studio lights? They’ll pick up every bare spot. You need to see a doctor.” Lena’s never one to overreact, so I knew she meant it.​
That afternoon, I booked an appointment with a dermatologist. The diagnosis said it’s Hormonal hair loss: something that affects so many women my age, yet feels so isolating when it’s happening to you. She prescribed a topical medication, explaining that it works by stimulating hair follicles and slowing shedding. I’ll be honest: I was skeptical at first. But Lena reminded me, “Small steps lead to big changes, and you deserve to feel like yourself again.”

I Find My Hair Loss Solution

I stuck to the routine religiously. Every night, after cleaning my brushes and wrapping up my broadcast notes, I’d apply the medication. It’s easy, no messy creams, no harsh odors. And fits seamlessly into my busy schedule. Within a month, I noticed less hair in my shower drain. In two months, new baby hairs were sprouting along my hairline. But here’s the thing: I needed something to bridge the gap while the medication did its work, especially for the camera. I needed wigs. But most of the wigs are too much for me.

Lena shared two secret weapons from UniWigs. They are hair toppers for women. Like different days call for different solutions, and both have become staples in my routine.​

First up, the Velora Lace Top Human Hair Topper. Lena handed this to me for those “subtle boost” days. Like when I’m painting in the studio or doing a casual off-camera interview. As UniWigs’ smallest clip-on topper, it’s made for targeted coverage, which was perfect for my early-stage thinning around the part. What sold me instantly? How lightweight it is. I forget I’m wearing it even when I’m leaning over a watercolor canvas for hours. The soft lace top is also breathable, eliminating sweaty scalps during mid-painting sessions, which is LITERALLY a game-changer. And since it’s 100% human hair, I can style it to match my natural waves or straighten it for a sleeker look. Last week, I wore it to a local art meetup, and a fellow painter kept complimenting my “full, healthy part”. She had no idea it was a topper. That’s the magic of it: it adds volume without screaming “I’m wearing something.”​

Then there’s the Upgrade Claire Mono Top Remy Human Hair Topper. My go-to for live broadcasts and big events. When I need full, natural-looking coverage that can stand up to studio lights, this is it. The lace front and monofilament top create a seamless hairline and parting. So seamless that even the camera crew, who’ve seen me up close for years, haven’t noticed. I once had a producer lean in to adjust my mic and comment on how “great my hair looks lately.” No clue it was the topper. The Remy human hair blends with my natural hair like they’re from the same head, and the four pressure-sensitive clips keep it locked in place. I’ve worn it for three hours of live election coverage, bending over scripts and adjusting my headset, and it never shifted. Best of all? It’s at a more accessible price point than the original Claire line, which feels like a win for quality that doesn’t break the bank. The 110% low density is key too. No “overly full” fake look, just natural volume that looks like my hair on a good day.

My Hair Topper Journey

What ties both toppers (and my medication) together? They fit my life. The medication is low-effort, high-reward, perfect for my early mornings and late nights. The Velora topper is my “casual confidence” sidekick, and the Upgrade Claire is my “camera-ready” secret. Neither makes me feel like I’m “hiding” anything—they just let me be the Carrie my viewers and fellow artists know, without worrying about bare spots or thinness.​

Now, months later, my natural hair is growing back thicker thanks to the medication, but I still reach for both toppers. The Velora for studio days when I want to keep it low-key, the Upgrade Claire for when I need that extra polish on air. They’ve become as much a part of my routine.

Hair Loss Girl: You Are Not Alone

To anyone going through the same thing: you’re not alone. Hair loss can feel like a blow to your confidence, especially when your job or your passion involves being seen. But there are solutions out there: solutions that work, that fit your life, and that let you be you. For me, it was a simple medication and two incredible hair toppers that cater to every side of my life. For you? It might be something different. But don’t give up. You deserve to feel confident, whether you’re behind a desk, in a studio, or just living your life.​

Thanks for letting me share my story. Now, if you’ll excuse me—I’ve got a broadcast to prep for, and a new painting to finish. And yes, today I’m wearing the Upgrade Claire (and my confidence) proudly.